VDOT encouraging people to stay off roads

Officials with the Virginia Department of Transportation say the agency is working with Virginia State Police, National Guard and local governments to get traffic moving. That's a problem in some areas, such as I-81 North in Rockbridge County and Route 29 in Charlottesville, where disabled vehicles are blocking traffic and snow plows. Be aware of conditions in those areas if your holiday plans include traveling those roads.

"On route 29 upwards of 200 vehicles were abandoned, including tractor-trailers and passenger cars. It was a massive problem" said Britt Drewes, a spokeswoman for VDOT in Richmond. "There's no shoulder along there, so getting the wreckers and plows in their to pull them out is quite a feat."

VDOT said that many roads, including ones that have been plowed, may have black ice, which could further endanger motorists.